He's Got the Whole World In His Hands

For my Bible college studies I've been reading the book of Isaiah lately. In the past, I have often gravitated toward Isaiah chapters 40-66 when needing encouragement or direction from God on a particular matter. But I always skipped the first 39 chapters deeming them "dry" and "insignificant" to the moment. This time, as I have read the book of Isaiah from the very beginning, I am realizing just how relevant its passages are to the happenings of the world today.

A little background: the nation of Israel had been divided into two kingdoms; the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kindom (Judah). They were a wayward people caught up in idolatry and immorality, especially in the north where wicked kings reigned. On the rare occasion that a Godly king ruled Judah, the people might temporarily turn back to God in repentance and faith. But as soon as the next evil king sat upon the throne, they were quick to forget Jehovah's goodness and became caught up once again in idolatry. Many times throughout the prophets, God compared His people to an adulterous wife.

In response to the Israelites' unfaithfulness in both kingdoms, God prepared global events to bring judgment and to accomplish His highest purposes. Assyria invaded the northern kingdom and annihilated it. While the southern kingdom lasted a few decades longer, Assyria was still used by God to bring chastisement to His people. However, even though Assyria was used as a tool in God's hand, they were a wicked nation. Therefore, in time, He brought destruction to Assyria as well as an end to the southern kingdom of Judah through Babylon's conquests . While a remnant of Jews was preserved during this time, they were nevertheless taken captive by Babylon and carried out of their beloved country.

Decades later, God judged the wicked nation of Babylon by allowing the mighty empire of Persia to take over the world. Under Persia's rule, Israelite captives were permitted to return to their country, rebuild the Holy City, and establish themselves once again as a God-fearing nation through whom the Messiah was born.

That is a nutshell account of the narrative contained in Isaiah chapters 1-39.

So, why do I bring all this up? Well, in reading Isaiah lately, I couldn't help but think of America. From a human perspective, these are troubling times. We are in the midst of a financial crisis that could be severely detrimental to the entire planet's economy. We are facing an election that could mean the end to freedom as we know it in this country. With marriages being redefined, parental rights being swept away, and government taking more and more control of our lives, the future of America is uncertain at best; disastrous at worst.

But in reading Isaiah, I'm reminded of the wonderful truth that God holds the whole world in His hands. He controls global events to take place exactly as He wants them to unfold for His highest purposes. He used Assyria, Babylon, and Persia to accomplish His will for Israel, even though circumstances at times looked hopeless. I am confident that God is moving and working right now amongst the nations of the world today to bring about His plans. Whether He has judgment or mercy ahead in American's future, we can rest assured that He is in control. No matter what decisions are made in congress, the White House, the voting booth, or the UN, God Almighty ultimately reigns as sovereign King of kings. At the end of His-story, He is the one to whom every knee shall bow.

Meanwhile, let us not lose heart but trust in our Lord and Redeemer to work all things together for the good of His people and the glory of His Name.